The vast movement of people that followed the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought the Willkeson family name to the British Isles. Willkeson comes from the Norman personal nameWilkins, which in turn is derived from the name William.William, which is derived from the words will, meaning resolution and helm, meaning armed.

Willkeson Early Origins

The surname Willkeson was first found in Durham where they held a family seat from early times. They were descended from Robert de Wintona, of Glamorgan, one of twelve knights who came into Glamorgan with Robert Fitzhamon, a Norman noble, in 1066. Fitzhamon was Sheriff of Kent and founder of Tewkesbury.

Willkeson Spelling Variations

Willkeson Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Wilkinson, Wilkisson, Wilkiesson and others.

Willkeson Early History

Willkeson Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Willkeson research. Another 215 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1250, 1610, 1675, 1616 and 1690 are included under the topic Early Willkeson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Willkeson Early Notables (pre 1700)

Willkeson Early Notables (pre 1700)

Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Willkeson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Willkeson In Ireland

Willkeson In Ireland

Some of the Willkeson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 105 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Willkeson or a variant listed above: William Wilkinson, who arrived in Virginia in 1606, 14 years before the "Mayflower"; Lawrence Wilkinson, who arrived in Providence, RI in 1645; Daniell Wilkinson, who arrived in Providence, RI in 1679.

Motto

Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Shaw, William A. Knights of England A Complete Record from the Earliest Time to the Present Day of the Knights of all the Orders of Chivalry in England, Scotland, Ireland and Knights Bachelors 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing. Print. (ISBN 080630443X).

The Willkeson Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Willkeson Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.